All You Need to Know about Tofu
Updated: Nov 25, 2024
HELLO, I'M AYU!
I am one of the staff members at Patia, where we offer cooking classes specifically designed for foreign tourists in Tokyo. I have two children, and I love cooking! I look forward to sharing my passion for cooking with you and making your experience in Japan truly memorable!
Tofu, a staple in Japanese cuisine, has a rich history that dates back nearly 2,000 years. Originating in China and later brought to Japan, tofu has become a beloved and versatile ingredient, celebrated for its health benefits and adaptability in a wide range of dishes. In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of tofu, its nutritional value, and how it can be used in cooking. Also Tokyo hosts several exceptional cooking classes that focus on tofu, each offering a unique approach to mastering this beloved ingredient. Here are two popular options.
Table of Contents
What is Tofu?
Tofu is a food made from soybeans. It’s created by soaking, grinding, and boiling soybeans to extract soy milk, which is then solidified with a coagulant. There are two main types of tofu: silken tofu, which is smooth and soft, and firm tofu, which has a denser texture. Tofu is a healthy, high-protein food that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, and stir-fries.
Types of Tofu
There are many varieties of tofu, silken tofu and firm tofu are the two most common types you'll encounter. Each has its unique texture, flavor, and uses, making them versatile staples in both savory and sweet dishes. Let's dive into the differences and how to use these two tofu varieties in your cooking.
Silken Tofu (Kinugoshi Tofu)
Known for its smooth, creamy texture, silken tofu has a higher water content and is softer than firm tofu. It’s perfect for dishes where a delicate texture is desired, such as in soups, salads, or desserts.
Firm Tofu (Momen Tofu)
As the name suggests, firm tofu has a denser texture due to its lower water content. It holds its shape well, making it ideal for stir-fries, grilling, or dishes where the tofu needs to absorb flavors without falling apart.
Nutritional Benefits of Tofu
Tofu is often praised for being a high-protein, low-calorie food. It’s a great source of plant-based protein, making it a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans. Tofu is also rich in calcium, lecithin, and B vitamins, contributing to overall health and well-being.
One of the standout components of tofu is isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen. These compounds are known to have several health benefits, particularly for women. Isoflavones may help in maintaining bone density, reducing the symptoms of menopause, and supporting heart health.
YouTube: 4 Delicious Tofu Recipes to Try
Tofu is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from traditional Japanese favorites to innovative vegan recipes. If you’re looking to explore new ways to cook with tofu, I’ve found four fantastic YouTube videos that showcase how to prepare tofu in different styles. Whether you’re craving a refreshing chilled tofu dish or a savory ma po tofu, these videos will guide you step-by-step.
Hiyayakko (Chilled tofu)
Hiyayakko is a simple, refreshing dish that highlights tofu’s natural flavor, perfect for hot summer days.
Watch the video here: Hiyayakko Cold Tofu Salad 3 Ways
Channel name: JapaneseCooking101
Mapo Tofu (Mabo Tofu)
Mapo Tofu is a spicy, flavorful dish from Sichuan cuisine, featuring tofu in a savory sauce with minced meat and bold spices.
Watch the video here: Japanese Style Mapo Tofu Recipe! This Will Be Your Favorite Tofu Dish!
Channel name: HiroFoodinJapan
Tofu Hamburger Steak
A healthy, hearty dish made by combining tofu with ground meat, offering a lighter yet flavorful alternative to traditional hamburgers.
Watch the video here: Tofu Hamburger Steak Recipe
Channel name: JapaneseCooking101
Tofu Cheesecake
For a healthy twist on dessert, silken tofu can be used to create a creamy and delicious cheesecake that’s lower in calories and fat compared to traditional recipes.
Watch the video here: Vegan Tofu Cheesecake. Easy&Delicious Dessert.
Channel name: Vege and Koji
2 Best Tofu Cooking Classes in Tokyo
Here are the 2 best tofu cooking classes miso in Tokyo. The following information below is current as of August 2024. These are subject to change, so please check each official websites in advance.
Study about Tofu, Tofu Making & Shojin (vegan oriental) Dishes
Source: airKitchen
In this class, you will make farm tofu from soybeans, and prepare some tofu Shojin (oriental vegan) dishes.
“I attended Flora's tofu making class, and it was fantastic! Flora's clear instructions and hands-on guidance made the process easy and fun. The fresh tofu we made was incredibly delicious, and Flora shared great recipes for using it in various dishes. I highly recommend this class to anyone looking to learn about tofu!” by airKitchen
Duration
3 hours
Participants
Up to 3 people
Price
10,000 JPY per person
Tofu Obsession
Source: JJ Kitchen
In this lesson, you can learn many different kinds of tofu and a variety of tofu products which are available in a supermarket and cook 3 types of dishes, using different kinds of tofu; regular tofu, thin deep fried tofu, and thick deep fried tofu.
Duration
3.5 hours
Participants
Minimum 3 people to Maximum 4 people
Price
8,000 JPY per person
Why You Should Try Tofu
Tofu is more than just a food—it's a culinary canvas. Its ability to absorb flavors, coupled with its health benefits, makes it a fantastic ingredient for anyone looking to diversify their diet. Whether you’re seeking plant-based protein, exploring Japanese cuisine, or just looking for a healthy addition to your meals, tofu is an excellent choice.
So next time you’re at the grocery store, consider picking up some tofu. Experiment with it in your kitchen, and you might just discover a new favorite dish!
Patia's Japanese Cooking Class in Tokyo
We are operating a clean and spacious kitchen studio in Tokyo. We offer classes here for foreign tourists to learn how to make Japanese food with English-speaking instructors. We hope you will participate in Patia's Japanese Cooking Class when you come to Tokyo.
We share more behind-the-scenes moments, cooking tips, and beautiful photos from our classes on Instagram! Be sure to follow us and join in the Tokyo food adventure.
Check us out at @patiajapanesecooking
Contact Us
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